In the Nineteenth Century, Before Implementation of Workers' Compensation Laws

question 13

Essay

In the nineteenth century, before implementation of workers' compensation laws in the United States, employees were seldom paid for work-related injuries.The injured employee's ability to recover damages was hindered by the fact that even a negligent employer could use common law defenses o disavow liability for workers' injuries.Discuss these defenses.

---

Definitions:

Labor

The human effort, both physical and mental, used in the production process to create goods or provide services.

Labor Unions

Organizations representing workers in various industries, advocating for better wages, working conditions, and benefits for their members.

Non-Unionized Industries

Sectors of the economy where the workforce is not part of a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Recession

A phase of short-term economic downturn marked by decreased business and manufacturing operations, typically recognized by a decline in Gross Domestic Product for two consecutive quarters.